Unleash the Flavors of Italy with a Mouthwatering Lasagna Recipe
Unleash the Flavors of Italy with a Mouthwatering Lasagna Recipe
There's nothing quite like the comforting and rich flavors of a classic Italian lasagna. This beloved dish is a perfect combination of layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy cheese, and flavorful herbs. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or just want to treat yourself to a delicious homemade meal, this lasagna recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- In a large pot, cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water.
- Season with sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons parsley.
- Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture.
- Top with a third of mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes.
- Cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Once you pull this hearty and flavorful lasagna out of the oven, your home will be filled with the irresistible aroma of bubbly cheese and savory sauce. Serve it up with a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite Italian wine for a truly unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this classic lasagna recipe is guaranteed to be a hit, unleashing the delicious flavors of Italy right in your own kitchen.
